Subject: Devotional | July 16 | evening (full)
Take a moment to slow down and turn your thoughts to God. Use this email as you are able, in whole or in part. Call to PrayerWhoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2) Opening PrayerAccept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. (BCP 836) Prayer of ExamenTurn your attention to Christ who is present with you now. With him, review the ordinary events and emotions of your day with gratitude. Praying the PsalmsPsalm 103Of David. 1 Praise the Lord, my soul; 6 The Lord works righteousness 7 He made known his ways to Moses, 13 As a father has compassion on his children, 19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, 20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, Praise the Lord, my soul. Old Testament ReadingNumbers describes the preparations that the Israelites undertook to enter the land that God promised to them. Scouts are sent in and overwhelmed by the challenges they see. God forbids them to enter the Promised Land because of their unbelief, and forty years of wandering in the wilderness begins. Reflect on the passage. What are examples to follow or avoid, commands to obey, or promises to claim? Numbers 241 Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to divination as at other times, but turned his face toward the wilderness. 2 When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came on him 3 and he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, 12 Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, 13 ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’? 14 Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you of what this people will do to your people in days to come.” Balaam’s Fourth Message 15 Then he spoke his message: “The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, Balaam’s Fifth Message 20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and spoke his message: “Amalek was first among the nations, Balaam’s Sixth Message 21 Then he saw the Kenites and spoke his message: “Your dwelling place is secure, Balaam’s Seventh Message 23 Then he spoke his message: “Alas! Who can live when God does this? Prayers of ThanksgivingRelationships
O Lord, support us all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen. (BCP 833) BenedictionSovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32) Wonder what your next step in spiritual formation is? Consider getting involved in a community group. For a handy guide to the devotional elements and an archive of past issues, visit redeemer.com/daily. |
Biblical summaries by David Whitehead, author of Making Sense of the Bible.
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